VGKing said:
It was kinda relevant since he talked sales and charts. But for real though, a 1.7 gap isn't really that much and its not something to brag about when you had a year head start. I guess that's why Microsoft doesn't brag about it, why do you man-bear-pig? |
As I've said elsewhere - head start is almost irrelevant in this field.
The MegaDrive Genesis had a healthy head start over the SNES. Ditto the Saturn over the PS1, or the Dreamcast over the PS2. Even the 3DO had a decent head start over the PS1.
Was the reason the PS2 absolutely slaughtered the competition due to its-
a)head start?
Or
b) was it down to a factor of brand recognition/software - hardware backwards compatibility (which neither competitor offered), DVD playback (which neither competitor offered out of the box), MASSIVE library of exclusives and multiplats?
If you picked b) - you're correct.
In a technology industry, the late starter can
* Offer improved hardware at cheaper launch cost than their competitors (because technology/hardware components become cheaper)
* Analyse where the already on market competitors have made their profits and losses - and plan accordingly.
* Offer true innovation over their competitors known quantities
- this isn't to say Sony didn't do ALL of those things - in many cases they did. It's just to show that - historically - it's usually the late starter that wins the race in this console (and indeed most other device) game. Notable exceptions - the PS1 vs N64 (I think the limitations of the cartridges/hardware had a lot to do with this) , and the PS2 vs. XBX/GC (see reasons above). You can maybe claim "head start" for the first year or two, but after 5 years - it's a moot point. Your "old" 5 year old tech should be looking a hell of a lot more attractive than your competitors "ancient" 6 year old tech.
So the two notable times when the early starter has won - the early starter has been Sony. Fancy that! I'd be hard pressed to find a Sony fan who thinks PSX/PS2's success was due almost entirely to their early start, and not to their library/features.
This is why Apple, who were late to the MP3 player market - followed the above three points to dominate. Then did it again in the mobile phone market.
I don't know hoe this thread was derailed so entirely from a discussion on Sony's economic situation/ratings - to a "360 had a head start" discussion - but there you have it. Whatever Straw Man works I guess.
